Honda is bringing back the Prelude with a hybrid-electric drivetrain

[Shawn Knight]

In a nutshell: Honda is bringing back its iconic Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model that will make its way to the US market in late 2025. The Japanese automaker first showed off its modern Prelude concept at the Japan Mobility Show in late 2023 before bringing it to the LA Auto Show the following month.

The Prelude nameplate dates back to the late 70s. The two-door couple borrowed heavily from the Accord and was the first Honda to market with several innovative features including the moon roof. The fifth and final generation Prelude entered production in 1996 and was discontinued in late 2001, just as the import / tuner scene started heating up thanks in part to influential films like The Fast and the Furious.

Honda isn't revealing much about the new Prelude at this time, but the company did say it will utilize a two-motor hybrid powertrain and be the first to use Honda S+ Shift, which it described as an innovative new drive mode that "further advances Linear Shift Control to deliver maximum levels of driver engagement."

S+ Shift will control engine RPM during acceleration and deceleration for improved throttle response and sharp gear shifting. It will also work in conjunction with the Active Sound Control system to pump artificial engine sounds into the cabin through the speaker system. In other words, simulated gear shifts and fake engine noises.

Honda spokesperson Chris Naughton told The Verge that one of the electric motors acts as a generator to create electricity for the battery and propulsion, while the other is a "traction motor" that helps propel the vehicle.

Styling is subjective. IMO, the last-gen Prelude felt a bit unique and was one of the better looking Hondas of its era. The new sixth gen Prelude, on the other hand, has a lot in common visually with other modern sports coupes like the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S.

What are your thoughts on companies like Honda and Dodge reviving classic nameplates for use on modern vehicles? Does it tarnish the brand's reputation at all?

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Honda is bringing back the Prelude with a hybrid-electric drivetrain

 

[nnguy2]

Wow blast from the past!

BTW "The new sixth gen Prelude, on the other hand, has a lot in common visually with other modern sports coupes like the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S." Scion FR-S were last produced in 2016! They are now rebranded as Toyota GR86.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

I like it. It's not overly aggressive like the Civic was, and it's a 2 door sporty hybrid. This checks a lot of boxes.

 

[maxxcool7421]

It looks like a celica+BRZ baby ... pass

 

[Phylop]

I like this. There is a lack of affordable sporty vehicles these days. The car enthusiast in me will always yearn for a pure ICE engine vs a pure EV, but I think a hybrid powertrain might be the best of both worlds. I guess we'll have to see how sporty and affordable this actually ends up being.

 

[Neatfeatguy]

Thought I was looking at a Nissan Z for a moment. What's the matter, Honda, no originality left so you mimic Nissan (I guess if you're in the talks of a merger, maybe that's why)?

 

[toooooot]

Cute

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Akward looking design, very 1980's.

Honda has long since ceased to offer much of note. Integra Type S is best by a mile.

Where in this article does Honda say this will be affordable. This will be Type R/S money at least.

 

[nismo91]

Honda has lost it's design cues. look how similar it is to the outgoing prius.

 

[SRB]

What's the point of making a full hybrid rev the engine and "shift"?

 

[Karlos95]

Looks sick, would definitely drive this as a daily for low fuel consumption while I can still aggressively weave in and out of traffic.

 

[ClintL]

So Honda ruined the look of the NSX and now the Prelude, and I think this car has a CVT box.
Which is almost as bad as an AMT gearbox.

Luckily I can't afford it so doesn't matter, would rather have the coupe from 2001 in anycase.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

So Honda ruined the look of the NSX and now the Prelude, and I think this car has a CVT box.
Which is almost as bad as an AMT gearbox.

Luckily I can't afford it so doesn't matter, would rather have the coupe from 2001 in anycase.

eCVT, not CVT. Totally different doghouse, like comparing american football to euro football.

Akward looking design, very 1980's.

Honda has long since ceased to offer much of note. Integra Type S is best by a mile.

Where in this article does Honda say this will be affordable. This will be Type R/S money at least.

I like the awkward 80s. Far better then modern "blob on stilts" we normally see.

 

[ClintL]

eCVT, not CVT. Totally different doghouse, like comparing american football to euro football.
I like the awkward 80s. Far better then modern "blob on stilts" we normally see.

Yes, but it works like a normal cvt, goes to 6000 or so rpm and stays there while the speed increases.
That is what I hate about CVT boxes, even the game controller paddle shifters don't make it better.

The ZF auto is a better box or heaven forbid they put a manual in what is supposed to be a sports car.

 

[Alex G]

Always liked Preludes - but I want the Integra GS-R back as a hybrid or a plugin. Just as small, fun, functional, futuristic, affordable, reliable an incredible value.

 

[ZedRM]

This took long enough.